Naha is short for Naha City; it is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture and the center of its political, economic, and cultural life. Blessed with beautiful seas and abundant nature, it is also a vibrant and popular tourist hub where a unique history and culture—evident in places like Kokusai Street and Shuri Castle—remain deeply rooted.
There are various theories regarding the origin of the place name “Naha.”
The “Fishing Ground” (Naba/Nafa) Theory: This theory was proposed by Iha Fuyu, known as the “Father of Ryukyu Studies,” and others.
It is said that because Naha was once an important fishing port, the word for “fishing ground” was corrupted into “Naha.” The Strange Rock Legend (Naba) This legend is recorded in classical texts such as the *Ryukyu Kokuryoki* and the *Iro Setsuden*. It is said that a strange rock found on the property of the Goh family of the Gana-ha clan resembled a mushroom (commonly called “Naba”), leading the surrounding village to be called “Naba,” and that the kanji characters for “Naha” were later applied to the name.
The Topographical Origin Theory: There is also a theory that the name was derived from the topographical feature that, when viewed from the sea, the landscape of Naha resembled a “rope” (nawa) protecting against rough waves.
